In a monumental step for flood control and ecological sustainability, Con J. Franke Electric is proud to support the Sacramento Weir Widening Project. Funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Sacramento District, this project marks the first major upgrade in the weir’s 106-year history. With an estimated budget of $350 million, the weir is being expanded an additional 1,500 feet to better protect the Sacramento area from severe flood events while enhancing ecological pathways for local fish populations. This large-scale project perfectly aligns with Con J. Franke Electric’s expertise in complex, high-stakes infrastructure work, and underscores our capability to manage Northern California’s most demanding commercial electric projects.
Con J. Franke Electric’s work scope for the Sacramento Weir Widening Project includes intricate utility relocation, construction of a utility building, construction of a modern fish passage system with gates, and the setup of both fish passage detection and fish camera systems. This project’s focus on restoring natural fish passage systems highlights the forward-thinking environmental benefits that Con J. Franke Electric brings to our projects. The addition of multiple Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) vaults and precision equipment further demonstrate our team’s commitment to providing high-quality solutions in a complex and evolving environment.
With dedicated oversight from Project Manager Dan Simas and hands-on expertise led by Foreman Carl Jenks, Con J. Franke Electric’s skilled team, including Project Assistant Destiny Flores, is integral to the project’s success. Working alongside JSP Automation for system integration and Pacific Power Testing for crucial testing scopes, Con J. Franke Electric’s coordination with these specialized subcontractors is vital in ensuring all details of the utility and ecological installations are executed correctly.
A Project of Innovation and Environmental Impact
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project is the ability to enhance local ecosystems. The restored fish passage system opens up critical migratory paths, allowing fish to access locations previously blocked by outdated infrastructure. Con J. Franke Electric is especially honored to contribute to this environmental milestone, as it creates lasting positive impacts on Sacramento’s native fish populations.
“Working alongside the Army Corps of Engineers and a diligent general contractor like Granite Construction has been a uniquely collaborative experience,” says Project Manager Dan Simas. “Our team is proud to play a role in this landmark effort that not only modernizes Sacramento’s flood defenses but also champions ecological health.”
Meeting Challenges with Expertise and Adaptability
Large projects, such as the Sacramento Weir Widening project, always come with unique challenges. In this case, the specifications and requirements for the fish passage systems and the complex integration of power, detection, and camera systems demand extreme precision and adaptability. Additionally, the need to interface multiple systems while responding to evolving updates, has relied on our team’s experience and problem-solving skills to keep the project moving forward smoothly.
Despite the challenges, Con J. Franke Electric remains committed to delivering best-in-class commercial electrical services, adapting seamlessly to new project demands, and contributing to a project that serves as a model for environmental stewardship and infrastructure resilience.
As the project advances toward completion in November 2026, Con J. Franke Electric’s dedicated team continues to highlight the excellence, dedication, and innovation for which we are known. Through each stage, Con J. Franke Electric is proud to support California’s infrastructure, contributing to a safer and more sustainable future for the Sacramento community.
